Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

Training and Qualifications of Forensic Pathologists 43
it should be noted that some forensic pathologists are restricted by their employer
(often a county or other government), and are not allowed to perform such consultations.
Depending on office policies, resources available, and other concerns,
some forensic pathologists actually spend a relatively large amount of their time
performing forensic consultations. There are also forensic pathologists who do not
have an official position within, or association with, an official death investigation
agency, but instead, spend most of their professional time performing forensic
consultations and other activities related to such consultations. Frequently, these
individuals have previously gained extensive experience working within an official
death investigation system.
Training and Qualifications of Forensic Pathologists
Currently, the training required to become a forensic pathologist in the United States
is as follows: successful participation in and completion of medical school (MD or
DO degree), successful participation in and completion of an anatomic pathology
residency program (typically 3–4 years), successful participation in and completion
of a forensic pathology fellowship program (1 year). It should be noted that many
choose to participate in a combined anatomic and clinical pathology residency even
though the only requirement is anatomic pathology. In 2007, there were 150 accredited
pathology residency training programs within the United States, with over 2500
positions available per year. In contrast, there were 37 accredited forensic pathology
programs with a total of 70 fellow positions available. To be an American Board
of Pathology (ABP)-Board-certified forensic pathologist, one must first be ABP-
Board-certified in anatomic pathology, and then in forensic pathology. Table 3.2
provides a synopsis of the education, training, and examination requirements to
become a Board-certified forensic pathologist.
Table 3.2 Education, training, and examination requirements for Board-certified forensic pathologists
(USA)
– Successful completion of medical school (MD or DO degree)
– Successful completion of an anatomic pathology residency (with or without clinical pathology
residency) at an ACGME-accredited program
– Successful completion of a forensic pathology fellowship at an ACGME-accredited program
– Fulfillment of the requirements of the American Board of Pathology (ABP) and officially
declared a diplomate and certified in anatomic pathology (via taking and passing the AP
Board examination)
– Fulfillment of the requirements of the ABP and officially declared a diplomate and certified in
forensic pathology (via taking and passing the FP Board examination)
– Recertification by the American Board of Pathology (recently required for newly-certified
persons)
Simply defined, the term “forensic pathology” may be used to describe a subspecialty
within the world of pathology that deals specifically with the investigation of
sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths via the performance of forensic autopsies. As